TERRESTRIAL COMMUNICATIONS
Latest News:
Phase 2 of the Tender Evaluation for the provision of Terrestrial Communication Services to the Department of Defence is complete. Defence will now engage in detailed discussions and negotiations with the following two Short Listed Respondents:
| Optus Networks Pty Ltd | Telstra Corporation Ltd |
| Contact: Craig McShane Phone: +61 2 6222 3801 Email: Craig.McShane@optus.com.au |
Contact: Richard Ashley Phone: +61 2 6129 4400 Email: Richard.Ashley@team.telstra.com |
An announcement of the preferred provider is expected by mid 2012 with Government Second Pass approval anticipated for the third quarter of 2012. Contract signing is expected shortly thereafter.
Background:
The Department of Defence needs to address the deficiencies in its Terrestrial Communications network by building an integrated, high-capacity, highly reliable network which enables the Department of Defence to improve the conduct of operations and the management of its business.
Further information about JP2047PH3 can be found in the Defence Capability Plan 2009.
Joint Project 2047 Phase 3 (JP2047PH3), Terrestrial Communications will:
- make major enhancements to enable Defence’s information network to improve the preparation for and conduct of military operations and improve the management of Defence business;
- deliver one network connecting fixed and deployed locations built on a single set of standards and products;
- upgrade, replace, standardise and rationalise the Defence Terrestrial Communications Network in order to deliver greater business efficiencies, lower costs in Defence’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) activities and will achieve a secure and robust ICT capability that supports war fighting and business functions;
- allow Defence users to connect to Defence networks at any time, including through wireless technologies using both Defence and personal devices;
- significantly improve Defence’s network performance and meet capability requirements to 2023; and
- explore desktop to desktop video conferencing for collaboration on the Defence Restricted Network and Defence Secret Network to provide Defence users with great flexibility and reduced travel costs.
The Terrestrial Communication Project is pivotal to the ICT Reform Objectives of the Defence Strategic Reform Program as its elements infiltrate and affect the success of all other planned ICT Projects is shown in the following image.
Project Milestones:
The Terrestrial Communications project is conducting a phased approach for acquiring the required capabilities. The intended approach and estimated timeframes for delivery of the project are as follows (noting that, at Defences discretion, this timetable may be amended as required):
- Industry Briefing was held on 8 April 2010 as detailed in the AusTender and media releases. A link to the presentation (PDF 2,920 KB) is provided for your information.
- Invitation to Register (ITR) an open approach to market was issued on 22 April 2010 to short list the organisations with the capacity to provision the capability requirements.
- Terrestrial Communications Trade Show was held on 28 April 2010 in Canberra as detailed in the Austender release of 16 April 2010.
- Workshops with short listed ITR were conducted in September/October 2010.
- First Pass Approval was granted in February 2011.
- Request for Tender was released on 6 July 2011.
- Contract Commencement is anticipated in 2012 (subject to Government Second Pass approval).
Contacting the Terrestrial Communications Project:
Contact for further information pertaining to the Terrestrial Communications Project should be made via the dedicated email address at: